Two more Florida players will miss the season after tearing knee ligaments.
Gators sophomore offensive lineman Jim Barrie and freshman linebacker Brendan Beal are the fourth and fifth players to tear their ACLs. Beal suffered his injury during Monday's practice and Barrie was injured Saturday.
Despite the injuries, oddsmakers from online sports book Bodog still like the Gators’ chances this season and have set Florida’s odds to win the 2009 BCS National Championship at 11/2. The Gators are also 3/2 favorites to win the SEC Conference in 2009.
Florida has a dynamic offense led by Heisman Trophy candidate Tim Tebow, but head coach Urban Meyer knows that injuries can derail his program’s chances.
``It's frustrating when guys are hurt,'' Meyer said. ``Still, at our staff meeting this morning I drew up our starting offensive line and I drew up everybody when they're healthy, and (it's) a pretty good-looking football team.